Norwalk Virus, GI infection

Chapter 45

A cruise ship has asked for emergency entry to a local seaport with access to a hospital facility. They are reporting that that 100 of their passengers, ages 75 to 90, are complaining of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, and watery diarrhea lasting for 1 to 3 days.

a.            The community nurse at the seaport authority believes this is an outbreak of “Norwalk virus.” Why does the nurse believe it is the “Norwalk virus”?

b.            What are some areas of concern that the nurse should be cognizant of?